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The logo of Handloom and Handicrafts that was released during the national handloom day in Imphal on Tuesday, Aug. 7.[/caption]
Our Correspondent
Imphal, Aug. 7 : A Mission for Economic Empowerment of Traditional Artisans/Craftsman will be launched soon in Manipur. The project is to further the goal of self-employment, inclusive development and economic empowerment of artisans/craftsman in the state besides providing a market place for finished products.
Textiles, Commerce and Industry Minister Thongam Biswajit Singh said this while speaking at the 4th National Handloom Day celebration held under the aegis of Directorate of Handlooms and Textiles, Government of Manipur in Imphal on Tuesday.
Highlighting the significance of observing the National Handloom Day which commemorates the Swadeshi Movement of 1905, Minister Biswajit said the day is observed to promote the products of the weavers, artisans and craftsman of the state.
Informing that there are 3.09 lakhs weavers in the state, he announced that the central government will start giving integrated cluster scheme from this year, acknowledging the activities of our weavers.
Stating that central schemes Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana - Gramin (PMAY-G) and Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY) were launched to empower the women, he assured that the handloom industry will not be declined with the launch of power loom because both are different items. Appealing to promote natural dye in the state to boost our income, he also announced that the government will give design and excellence awards from the next year.
Besides launching a logo of Handloom and Handicrafts, a reference book ‘Manipur Handloom Development Programme’ and a book authored by Mutua Bahadur were also released in the day’s function.
Three National awardees were also honoured with cash prize of INR 4.40 lakhs each while two state and two merit awardees were given INR 1 lakh and INR 50,000 each. A documentary film ‘Chara Lyong – Looms & Life’ was also released and screened during the function.